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Aerospace & Defense Technology

SAE Media Group

The Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast provides independent coverage of information that impacts the business, innovation, and trends occurring across all segments of aerospace and defense, with an emphasis on technology. Across a continuing series of seasons, the A&DT Podcast provides insights into the most pertinent topics occurring in today's aerospace system engineering field.

The podcast also features interviews with experts on topics featured at SAE Media Group Defense's U.S. and Europe-based live conferences and exhibitions.

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  • 21 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 16 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • Wednesday · 27 min

    From NASA Lab to Everyday Life: A Tech Briefs 50th Anniversary Special

    Over five decades, Tech Briefs has helped tell countless stories of NASA technology transfer, highlighting how discoveries made for space exploration find new life in products and applications here on Earth. This special episode focuses on a remarkable example of tech transfer: a treadmill technology that began as a solution forexercising in reduced-gravity environments and has since helped people recover from injury, improve athletic performance, and maintain mobility as they age. SAE Media Group’s Editorial Director Chitra Sethi speaks with Tom Allen and Sean Whalen, founders of Boost Treadmills. Boost Treadmills was founded in 2017 and prior to starting Boost, they each played key roles in the creation of AlterG®. As Tech Briefs celebrates its 50th anniversary, we're reflecting on five decades of stories just like this one in its special 50th anniversary issue. It's both a look back at how far we've come and a look ahead at the technologies that will define the next generation of innovation. Read the Tech Briefs 50th Anniversary Special Edition. Sponsored by Rohde & Schwarz

  • S16 · E4
    August 21 · 15 min

    How Digital Tools and Bonding Innovation Are Advancing Military Vehicle Design and Production

    As military ground vehicle manufacturers add autonomous navigation, advanced sensing, counter-UAS capability, and survivability features to next-generation platforms, the production environment behind those systems isbecoming as critical as the vehicle architecture. Digital engineering, model-based workflows, mixed reality, automation, and advanced materials are helping defense suppliers accelerate production, improve installation quality,reduce weight, and move complex designs from prototype to fielded system. On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Season 16’s focus on military ground vehicle systemscontinues with a look at the manufacturing and design technologies enabling more efficient vehicle production. ClickBond, a Nevada-based manufacturer of adhesive-bonded fastening systems, provides structural hardware, adhesives, tooling, and installation methods for aerospace, defense, industrial, and vehicle applications. The interview explains how Click Bond is using digital tools tomodernize manufacturing and installation, and work around digital twins, AI, robotics, and human-augmented production. These capabilities reflect a broader defense-industry shift toward digitally connected design and manufacturingenvironments. The guest on this episode is Bill Perez, Senior Product and Application Strategy Manager at Click Bond.

  • S16 · E3
    August 14 · 15 min

    Advancing Tactical SATCOM Through Multi-Orbit Network Integration

    On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Robert Jacobson, CEO of Lite Coms, discusses howtactical SATCOM systems are evolving to support resilient, multi-orbit connectivity for expeditionary, fixed, and mobile military operations. Lite Coms designs and delivers tactical SATCOM terminals for mission-critical communications, including fly-away auto-acquire systems, rugged flat-panel terminals, and modemassemblies built for LEO, MEO, and GEO network environments. The conversation explores multi-orbit network integration, modular terminal engineering, accelerated development cycles, advanced manufacturing, and emerging approaches to command-and-control communications.

  • S16 · E2
    August 6 · 9 min

    Modular Counter-UAS Systems for Military Vehicles

    On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Bryan Bockmon, CEO of AimLock, discusses how autonomous targeting and AI-enabled fire control are being applied to one of the fastest-evolving battlefield threats: small unmanned aerial systems. The conversation examines AimLock’s latest collaboration with FN America and howthe companies are integrating sensor fusion, autonomy, and precision engagement capabilities into vehicle-mounted weapon systems designed for counter-UAS missions. RELATED:C-UAS Magazine Call for Papers During SOF Week 2026, AimLock and FN America unveiled the Dunetechnology demonstrator, which brings AimLock’s autonomy suite for networked, layered counter-UAS defense into FN America’s FN DEFENDER® Medium remote weapon station. The integrated system is designed to give militaryvehicles a scalable, mounted countermeasure against low-cost attack drones and other aerial threats. The episode also explores why defense organizations areprioritizing modular, open-architecture solutions that can improve force protection without requiring full platform replacements. Bockmon shares insights on emerging trends in autonomy, precision engagement, and layered counter-drone defense as military forces adapt to a rapidly changing threatenvironment.

  • S16 · E1
    July 29 · 16 min

    Designing and Manufacturing Modern Military Ground Vehicles

    How can commercial technologies accelerate innovation indefense mobility and mission-ready vehicle platforms? On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Paul Beaker, chief engineer of advanced product development at GM Defense, shares insights from the Aerospace Manufacturing and Materials Digital Summit 2026, exploring how the company is leveraging commercial engineering, advanced manufacturing processes, electrification, and rapid technology integration to support evolving military requirements. During his presentation, Beaker also explains how GMDefense is incorporating robotics into its design, inspection, and assembly processes for some of the military ground vehicles it is currently manufacturing. The discussion highlights the company’s approach to accelerating capability development, reducing program risk, and delivering next-generationmobility solutions for defense customers. Tune in to hear how commercial innovation is shaping the future of military vehicle development and operational readiness.

  • S15 · E5
    June 26 · 19 min

    Rocket Propulsion, AI, and the Future of Engineering Workflows

    On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Reaction Dynamics propulsion engineer and Moriusfounder Balin Moher explains how artificial intelligence AI, digital engineering, and structured engineering data could help reshape how aerospace teams design and validate complex rocket systems. The discussion explores Reaction Dynamics’ hybrid rocketpropulsion work, the engineering challenges behind designing rocket components and assemblies, and how Moher created Morius as an on-premises AI design tool focused on keeping engineering work aligned with trusted project data. "Morius runs entirely on-premises - your data never leaves the building - for regulated industries where data security comesfirst," Moher said. The conversation also looks at how AI could support earlierdesign capture, faster iteration, and more reviewable decision-making across safety-critical aerospace programs. As aerospace and defense organizations look for ways toaccelerate development without sacrificing traceability or engineering rigor, Moher explains how tools like Morius could become a reliability layer for AI-assisted design and a force multiplier for engineers working on rockets, propulsion systems, and other complex platforms.

  • S15 · E4
    June 19 · 13 min

    Engineering Spacecraft Components at Scale for Commercial Space Growth

    On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Brian Ippolitto, Vice President of Space Systems, discusses how spacecraft component engineering is evolving to meet the accelerating demands of commercial space growth. Drawing on more than a decade of experience across engineering, operations, and business development, he outlines the transition from low-volume development programs to high-rate manufacturing — now delivering tens of thousands of precision components annually for satellites, launch vehicles, and deep-space missions. The conversation explores how propulsion systems and critical subsystems are being scaled to production, how quality and reliability are maintained at volume, and what it takes to support the next phase of commercial space expansion. Sponsored by: Omnetics and New England Wire

  • S15 · E3
    June 12 · 17 min

    How Star Catcher’s In-Space Power Grid Could Eliminate Satellite Power Constraints

    Star Catcher Industries is developing an in-space powergrid that captures sunlight in orbit and delivers it wirelessly to satellites on demand. The Florida-based startup's approach uses optical power beaming to deliver concentrated solar energy to satellites and spacecraft in orbit. On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Star Catcher CEO Andrew Rush explains how theirin-space power grid could help reduce one of the biggest constraints on satellite performance: limited onboard power. The discussion explores how beamed energy could work with existing solar arrays and potentially support higher-power payloads, longer mission operations, and more capable satellitearchitectures. The conversation also looks at the company’s recenttechnology milestones, including end-to-end architecture validation and progress toward orbital demonstrations. As demand grows for communications, Earth observation, defense sensing, and space-based computing, the Star Catcher CEO explains how shared power infrastructure could become a key enabler for the next generation of space systems.

  • S15 · E2
    June 5 · 13 min

    Accelerating Spacecraft Development with AI, Digital Twins, and Simulation

    Digital engineering is reshaping how today’s aerospacesystems are conceived and delivered. During the 2026 Siemens Realize Live conference and exhibition in Detroit, Michigan, the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast interviewed Dr. Tom Stoumbos,simulation and test leader at Northrop Grumman, about the company’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital simulation and testing tools to design, manufacture, and produce new satellites and space technologies. Siemens announced several new solutions at the event thisyear, including its Intelligence Center X platform, among others. On this episode, we examine how AI-enabled simulation,digital twins, and integrated engineering environments help teams reduce analysis time while improving design accuracy. By connecting data and models across the lifecycle, engineers can accelerate design iteration, enable parallel development, and bridge simulation with real-world testing. The result is a more agile, data-driven approach to developing next-generation spacecraft capable of meeting increasingly complex mission demands. Sponsored by Omnetics and New England Wire

  • S15 · E1
    May 29 · 17 min

    Radiation-Tolerant Microcontrollers for Expanding LEO Satellite Network

    On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, we speak with the CEO of Vorago Technologies about how radiation-tolerant and radiation-hardened semiconductor technologies are enabling the next generation of satellite constellations, autonomous defense systems, and resilient space infrastructure. The conversation explores how growing demand for AI-enabled edge computing, secure communications, and scalable space architectures is reshaping semiconductor requirements foraerospace and defense applications. Season 15, "Beyond Launch: Engineering Space andSatellite Technology Breakthroughs," of the podcast will featurefour episodes with a range of space engineering and manufacturing experts. If you have a suggested guest, email the podcast host, woodrow.bellamy@saemediagroup.com. Sponsored by Omnetics and New England Wire

  • S14 · E4
    April 17 · 13 min

    How Modular Computing Is Accelerating Modern Defense Technology

    Modern defense platforms are evolving rapidly, with modularcomputing emerging as a key enabler of that transformation. On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Shaun Fischer, Director ofDevelopment and Open Systems Solutions at Leonardo DRS, discusses the company’s newly launched THOR —Tactical, High‑Performance Embedded Computing, OpenArchitecture, Rugged — embedded computing chassis and the new military applications it is designed to enable. THORsupports a broad range of compute payloads, including Intel®, Arm®, and NVIDIA®‑based single‑board computers; high‑performance GPUs for AI and machine‑learninginference; and RF and digital signal‑processing modules for electronic warfare and secure communications. Fischer also explains how the chassis aligns with the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), the open‑architecture initiative shaping the acquisition of next‑generation defense technologies. Sponsored by Smithers.

  • S14 · E3
    April 10 · 12 min

    How AI Acceleration Strategies Are Changing Embedded Computing Architectures

    On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technologypodcast, we continue our Season 14 focus on military embedded computing and networking, featuring keynote remarks from the 2026 AUSA Global Force Symposiumand an interview with Jeff Baldwin, Director of Engineering at Sealevel. To open the episode, we share an excerpt from a keynoteaddress by Under Secretary of the Army Michael Obadal delivered at the 2026 AUSA Global Force Symposium in Huntsville. In this segment, he describes real‑worldadoption of AI‑enabled tools and outlines one of five principles guiding technology integration, referencing the use of AI‑assisted systems in targeting system development and evaluation. Sealevel designs and manufactures rugged embedded computing platforms and I/O solutions used in mission‑critical military and commercial applications, supporting aerospace and defense OEMs, systems integrators, and service organizations. The company recently published an article analyzing the Department of War’s 2026 AI Acceleration Strategy and its impact on customer requirements for modular, scalable embedded computing architectures — particularly as AI workloads drive higher demands for processing performance,data movement, and system integration at the edge. During his interview, Baldwin discusses the impact of thisstrategy on companies that are designing and manufacturing AI-enabled embedded computing systems and networks.

  • S19 · E2
    April 3 · 23 min

    Arm’s Agentic AI CPU: Engineering the Next Generation of AI Data Centers

    On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, we bring you highlights from Arm CEO Rene Haas’ keynote at the live‑streamed Arm is Everywhere event, wherehe outlines how agentic AI is reshaping the future of compute. The discussion centers on Arm’s landmark move into silicon with the launch of its Arm agentic AI central processing unit (CPU), purpose‑built for next‑generation AI data centers. We also connect those developments to growing U.S. militaryinterest in AI‑driven decision‑making, resilient computeinfrastructure, and energy‑efficient data centers that can operate at scale. It’s a timely look at how commercial AIhardware roadmaps are increasingly intersecting with defense and national security priorities. Recent Department of Defense announcements underscore acoordinated push toward agentic AI backed by hyperscale, cloud‑native infrastructure. From the rapid expansion of GenAI.mil with OpenAI integration, to the U.S. Army’s conditionalagreements for privately financed hyperscale data centers, and the Department of the Air Force’s exploration of data‑centerleasing in Alaska, the message is consistent: AI‑driven operations require massive, resilient, and energy‑aware compute at scale. Complementing that infrastructure build‑out, the Air Force’s Cloud Onemodernization awardto Oracle highlights how secure, multi‑classification cloud platforms are being adapted specifically to support agentic AI workflows in defense environments. Against this backdrop, Arm’s launch of its agentic AI‑focused AGI CPU is particularly relevant to aerospace and defense leaders. For the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast audience, these developments illustrate how commercial silicon innovation and defense AI priorities are rapidly converging —reshaping the hardware foundations of future military operations. Sponsored by Smithers

  • S14 · E1
    March 30 · 14 min

    How the F 22 Is Getting Software Updates Faster Than Ever

    Defense Unicorns, a Colorado-based startup, recently demonstrated a key enabler for continuoussoftware delivery to the F-22 Raptor. For the first time, software in the F-22 open mission system compute enclave was installed and upgraded on the aircraft in a matter of minutes. On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technologypodcast, the CEO of Defense Unicorns explains how their secure software delivery technology enables faster, repeatable updates to flight‑critical systems without changing the aircraft’s underlying hardware. He walks through the Air Force demonstration showcasing how new F‑22 mission capabilities can be packaged, deployed, and updated more rapidly than traditional methods allow. The conversation highlights what was delivered during the demo and why this approach represents a major shift in how legacy fighter platforms can receive software-driven upgrades at speed. Season 14 of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast is sponsored by Smithers.

  • S13 · E4
    February 20 · 12 min

    Sesame Solar’s Nanogrids Promise Major Gains in Drone Endurance

    Michigan-based renewable energy company Sesame Solar has introduced a new approach to powering and extending flight duration of uncrewed aerial vehicles for both commercialand military applications. The company’s mobile off-grid power solutions have already been used by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers and other defense organizations for a wide variety ofapplications, including extending drone flying times. On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Sesame Solar Co-founder and CEO Lauren Flanagan explains how the company’s new mobile hydrogen‑powered nanogrids are redefining what’s possible for long‑range drone operations. The conversation dives into how this closed‑loop system eliminates fuel‑supply logistics, supports autonomous drone missions for up to six months, and enhances operational resilience in contested or off‑grid environments. We also look ahead at how nanogrid technology may shape the future of UAVs by offering scalable, renewable, and self‑sustaining power for next‑generation drone fleets.

  • S13 · E3
    February 13 · 14 min

    How a New DHS Office Is Redefining Counter Drone Deployment

    In January, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched a new Program Executive Office to speed the procurement and deployment of drone and counter‑drone technologies — aimed at staying ahead of rapidly evolving threats. On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Jeffrey Starr, CMO of D‑Fend Solutions, breaks down what this new office means for advancing counter‑UAScapabilities in civilian airspace. We also explore DHS’s newly announced $115 million investment in counter‑drone systems to help secure America250 celebrations and FIFA World Cup 2026 venues. Subscribe to the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

  • S13 · E1
    January 31 · 16 min

    How Sift's Unified Observability Platform Accelerates Drone Innovation

    In December, the Defense Department issued a request forinformation to gauge the defense industry's ability to develop more than 300,000 drones "quickly and inexpensively" by 2027. Over the next year, the Department plans on spending up to$1 billion to fulfill their need to acquire a large number of the "very best of low-cost American-made drones," according to a December 2025 press release. On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense TechnologyPodcast, we learn about a new tool that could help manufacturers optimize the way they design and create new drones. Austin Spiegel, CTO of Sift, is the guest on this episode to explain how their "unified observability platform" to explain how drone manufacturers can leverage their platformto optimize their design, validation, manufacturing and overall engineering processes from prototype to operations.

  • S12 · E5
    Dec 12, 2025 · 18 min

    A New Approach to Manufacturing Machine Connectivity for the Air Force

    The U.S. Air Force Sustainment Center’s Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC) has taken a major step toward modernizing depot operations: securely connecting manufacturing machines, robots, and digital analytics tools across previously isolated enclaves. This capability was driven by Corsha’s Machine Identity Provider (mIDP), a zero-trust platform that recently received an Authorization-to-Operate (ATO) within the 402nd Commodities Maintenance Group. With mIDP, WR-ALC can authenticate every machine-to-machine connection and enable real-time data sharing for robotic systems and shop-floor automation. On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Corsha CEO Anusha Iyer explains how machine identity, continuous authentication, and secure connectivity are accelerating digital sustainment for the U.S. Air Force — and what this means for the future of industrial manufacturing and depot modernization.

  • S12 · E4
    Dec 5, 2025 · 16 min

    How Packet Digital Is Scaling Domestic Drone Battery Manufacturing

    In this episode, Packet Digital CEO Terri Zimmerman breaks down the company’s push to expand U.S.-based production of advanced lithium-ion batteries for military unmanned aircraft systems. She discusses new investments, manufacturing plans at the Badland Batteries facility in North Dakota, and why domestic energy-storage capability is becoming a mission-critical requirement for future UAS operations. Zimmerman also offers insight into engineering challenges, supply-chain constraints, and the performance demands shaping the next generation of drone power systems.

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes